Pittsburgh Summer Camp for Girls in Grades 5-9
Changemakers Camps at Ellis: Explore, Create, and Innovate
Grades 5–9 | Summer 2026
Changemakers summer camp brings girls together for an inspiring season of hands-on learning, creativity, and collaboration. Through immersive, project-based summer camp experiences in art, ceramics, textiles, and game design, campers build real skills while exploring their passions and discovering new interests.
Each summer camp session is designed to spark curiosity, encourage bold thinking, and foster self-expression—all within a supportive environment where girls feel empowered to take creative risks and grow their confidence.
With multiple half-day summer camp sessions available, families can choose one or combine several to create a flexible, enriching summer camp experience that keeps learning and creativity going all season long.
Your Art, Your Story
Dates: June 8–12
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $450
Instructor: Lisa Zhou (Ellis Visual Arts Teacher)
Explore a new artistic medium each day in this engaging summer art camp focused on self-expression, identity, and imagination. Campers will build creative skills through hands-on experimentation while learning to reflect on what makes their work unique. The week concludes with a camper-curated exhibition on the final day.
Wheel Throwing: Ceramics in Motion (Sold Out)
*Space is available on our waitlist for no additional cost
Dates: June 8–12
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Cost: $300
Instructor: Christine Fashion (Ellis Art Teacher)
Take a spin on the potter’s wheel in this brand new half-day camp dedicated to wheel throwing. Campers receive both group and individualized instruction as they create functional and sculptural ceramic pieces, whether they’re beginners or experienced throwers. All clay and tools are provided—just come ready to get messy and create.
Fiber Arts and Textile Makers Studio
Dates: June 22-26
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $250
Instructor: Christine Fashion (Ellis Art Teacher)
Discover the art of crafting with fiber in this brand new half-day maker’s studio. Campers will design and create their own textile-based accessories such as bags, hats, bracelets, and more while exploring a variety of materials and techniques.
Game On! Retro Video Game Lab
Dates: July 20-24
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $250
Instructor: Sam Rauhala (Ellis Upper School Science Teacher)
Bring your competitive spirit and creativity to this hands-on retro gaming lab. Campers of all experience levels will take on timed challenges and friendly competitions while speed-running classic games and exploring the art and sound behind early design.
Unplugged Game Design
Dates: July 27-31
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $450
Instructor: Sam Rauhala (Ellis Upper School Science Teacher)
Embark on a journey of creativity and strategy in this one-of-a-kind game design camp. Campers will explore how board games, card games, and other formats connect to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).
